The epistle is also valuable for its warm and generous testimony to the private character of this accomplished actress, whose part in real life, says Fielding, was that of "the best Wife, the best Daughter, the best Sister, and the best Friend." The words are more than mere compliment; they appear to have been true. Madcap and humourist as she was, no breath of slander seems ever to have tarnished the reputation of Kitty Clive, whom Johnson--a fine judge, when his prejudices were not actively aroused--called in addition "the best player that he ever saw." The _Intriguing Chambermaid_ was produced on the 15th of January 1734. Lettice, from whom the piece was named, was well personated by Mrs. Clive, and Colonel Bluff by Macklin, the only actor of any promise that Highmore had been able to secure. With the new comedy the _Author's Farce_ was revived. It would be unnecessary to refer to this again, but for the additions that were made to it. These consisted chiefly in the substitution of Marplay Junior for Sparkish, the actor-manager of the first version. The death of Wilks may have been a reason for this alteration; but a stronger was no doubt the desire to throw ridicule upon Theophilus Cibber, whose behaviour in deserting Drury Lane immediately after his father had sold his share to Highmore had not passed without censure, nor had his father's action escaped sarcastic comment. Theophilus Cibber--whose best part was Beaumont and Fletcher's Copper Captain, and who carried the impersonation into private life, had played in several of Fielding's pieces; but Fielding had linked his fortunes to those of the patentees, and was consequently against the players in this quarrel. The following scene was accordingly added to the farce for the exclusive benefit of "Young Marplay":-- "_Marplay junior._ Mr. _Luckless_, I kiss your Hands--Sir, I am your most obedient humble Servant; you see, Mr. _Luckless_, what Power you have over me. I attend your Commands, tho' several Persons of Quality have staid at Court for me above this Hour. _Luckless._ I am obliged to you--I have a Tragedy for your House, Mr. _Marplay_. _Mar. jun._ Ha! if you will send it me, I will give you my Opinion of it; and if I can make any Alterations in it that will be for its Advantage, I will do it freely. _Witmore._ Alterations, Sir? _Mar. jun._ Yes, Sir, Alterations--I will maintain it, let a Play be never so good, without Alteration it will do nothing. _Wit._ Very odd indeed. _Mar. jun._ Did you ever write, Sir? _Wit._ No, Sir, I thank Heav'n. _Mar. jun._ Oh! your humble Servant--your very humble Servant, Sir. When you write yourself you will find the Necessity of Alterations. Why, Sir, wou'd you guess that I had alter'd _Shakespear_? _Wit._ Yes, faith, Sir, no one sooner.